Is Mr. Tangle lecturing again?
Is he pretending he’s a learned guy?
Is he demanding that you say amen?
Are you too weary now even to try?
Then in your honest heart, my lad, don’t lie–
but clothe in words your doubt and your disgust.
There are some urges we cannot deny
without becoming empty breath and dust.
Say aloud that there’s nothing there to trust.
Say aloud that there’s nothing to admire.
Perhaps, when all his foul flaws are discussed,
he from his bogus image will retire–
and end up as a scarecrow so extreme
that former accolades will seem a dream.

I am not wasting time as I sit here:
I’m getting in the proper frame of mind.
A proper fellow in his proper sphere,
I am not wasting time as I sit here.
I’m being quite industrious, my dear–
if industry is properly defined.
I am not wasting time: as I sit here,
I’m getting in the proper frame of mind.

I charitably give your stuff away–
so why do you respond with angry curses?
I’m a good guy — and honest, for I say
I charitably give your stuff away
to those less fortunate. The game I play
is a grand game. Fulfilling Bible verses,
I charitably give your stuff away.
So why do you respond with angry curses?